Can an event planning organization whose explicit goal is to funnel proceeds from every event back into community/other non-profit organizations be considered a social enterprise?  What type of model would be best to follow in this case?  Would the event planning organization want to apply for 501c3 status?  Any insight or resources would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

I think it would constitute a social enterprise. Whether you want to be for profit or non-profit depends on a couple issues. I went down this path when creating Mortgage Pledge, my social venture. I chose to stay for-profit because I didn't want to give up control of the business to a board and didn't want to deal with all the stipulations of a non-profit. Basically, the only benefit of non-profit in my eyes was to receive donations. Since, I wasn't looking for donations to fund my business, I chose to stay for-profit.

Also, another thought is to figure out a way to incorporate more "social" component to your business. Maybe utilize local non-profits to assist with the events in some way. Idea...use locals boys and girls club to help clean up or set up, incorporate community non-profits into the events somehow, or anything else you could come up with that would make a positive impact in addition to just the money.

Good Luck

Previously wrote:

Can an event planning organization whose explicit goal is to funnel proceeds from every event back into community/other non-profit organizations be considered a social enterprise?  What type of model would be best to follow in this case?  Would the event planning organization want to apply for 501c3 status?  Any insight or resources would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!